Lodging: The closest accommodations are 12 miles away (on the road to Hood River) at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort (541-352-6692; $99, double occupancy, including a lift ticket; additional passes at $25 per person). Another 30 properties in Hood River have ski-and-stay packages: The Hood River Hotel is located in the heart of town (800-386-1859; $69, double occupancy, with $25-per-person lift tickets); the Best Western Hood River Inn overlooks the Columbia River (800-828-7873; $115, double occupancy, including two passes); the romantic Victorian-styled Columbia Gorge Hotel is just west of town (800-345-1921; $169, double occupancy, with $25 tickets).

Dining: At Cooper Spur, the Pioneer Dining Room (541-352-6037) makes an excellent prime rib. In Hood River, try Brian's Pourhouse (541-387-4344) for salmon piccata and a Kiwi Kamikaze, Abruzzo Italian Grill (541-386-7779) for gnocchi and a glass of Oregon wine or the Crazy Pepper Cantina (541-387-2454) for fish tacos and margaritas. For breakfast, you can't beat the pancakes or eggs Benedict at Bette's Place in town (541-386-1880).

AprÈs-Ski: The Winner's Circle in Meadows' North Lodge is the spot to kick back with a cognac or bourbon. Hit the Alpenstube, in the South Lodge, for microbrews and apps. In Hood River, try the Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub for sausage and a sample platter of beers.Don't miss When it's windy, watch the windsurfers and kiteboarders from the spit at Event Site Park in Hood River. If it's calm, stop by the tasting rooms at Hood River Vineyards (541-386-3772) and Flerchinger Vineyards (541-386-2882).

Getting There: From Portland, Highway 26 east through Government Camp, then Highway 35 north for 10 miles to Mt. Hood Meadows. From Hood River, go south on Highway 35 for 35 miles.